Product SynopsisPublished by Canadean, this Quarterly Beverage Tracker report provides a detailed analysis of the latest developments in the Italy beverage market

Introduction and LandscapeWhy was the report written?In the current climate of economic uncertainty and market volatility companies need to know about more than just data. This report provides a complete overview of all commercial beverage consumption trends, latest market developments and an economic mood indicator

What is the current market landscape and what is changing?In Q3-13, GDP remained unchanged compared to Q2-13, sustained by exports and stock-building. However, a decline of 1.8% compared to Q3-12 was seen. Business surveys by the Bank of Italy suggest barely positive growth in the fourth quarter.

What are the key drivers behind recent market changes?The Bank of Italy is currently forecasting a 1.8% fall in GDP for 2013, followed by a moderate economic recovery of 0.7% in 2014 and a further growth of 1% in 2015. The recovery is expected to be led by exports and by the gradual expansion of productive investment, favored by the improved outlook for demand.

What makes this report unique and essential to read?Designed for clients who want to understand the latest trends in the Italy beverage industry and want more detail and analysis on this data. Canadean’s Italy Quarterly Beverage Tracker report is ideal for benchmarking total market vs retail audit data and is an essential tool for keeping up-to-date with the latest industry and market developments

Key Features and BenefitsReaders are provided with a summary snap shot table showing category growth in Q42013vs Q42012, together with provisional 2013volumes and latest2014 forecasts

An economic mood indicator, completed by Canadean’s local consultant, examines (on a scale of one to five) whether confidence levels in the industry are better or worse than the previous quarter, whether net prices are rising or falling and how Private Label products have performed versus the rest of the market. Selected retail pricing data is given for the most recent quarter and the previous four quarters, enabling analysis of price movements.

Key highlights of the last quarter’s commercial beverage performance are identified and the key market drivers examined

Key Market IssuesIn November 2013, unemployment reached 12.7%, a new record high on a seasonally adjusted basis - up 0.2 percentage points compared to October 2013 and up 1.4 points compared to November 2012. Youth unemployment also reached a new record high of 41.6%.

In December 2013, consumer prices increased by 0.2% compared to November 2013, principally driven by an increase in transport and food and non-alcoholic beverages (+0.7%). Consumer prices also increased by 0.7% compared to December 2012 as a result of an increase in the cost of food and non-alcoholic beverages (+1.7%), alcohol and tobacco and education.

In October 2013 (latest available data), retail sales (seasonally adjusted) declined by 0.1% compared to September 2013, with food declining by 0.2% and non-food products declining by 0.1%. In January - October 2013, retail sales declined by 2.2% compared to the same period in 2012, with food sales declining by 1.3% whilst non-food declined by 2.8%.

Key HighlightsThe quarter-on-quarter decline in soft drinks slowed compared to Q3-13, principally owing to the improved performance of packaged water and energy drinks.

The Bank of Italy is currently forecasting a 1.8% fall in GDP for 2013, followed by a moderate economic recovery of 0.7% in 2014 and a further growth of 1% in 2015. The recovery is expected to be led by exports and by the gradual expansion of productive investment, favored by the improved outlook for demand.

On 8 December, Matteo Renzi, the 38-year-old mayor of Florence, became the new leader of the ruling center-left Democratic Party after winning 68% of the vote in the primary election. Many across Italy's political spectrum believe that Mr. Renzi has enough crossover appeal to make him a leading candidate to become Italy's next Prime Minister.